Micro Book: Poem of Tu Fu

Published by Tokyo: Toppan Printing Co. (c. 1965), 1965

About this Item

(24)pp. This set includes two versions of the ancient Chinese poet Tu Fu's verse "The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup": a miniature book measuring 1 3/8 inches (35mm.) square, and an ultra-microminiature measuring a mere 3.75mm square. In each, the text is presented in English and Japanese. The ultra-microminiature is contained within a magnifying case attached to a keychain. The case's metal cover is printed with "Micro Book" in white and gold on a black background, and has a distinctly mid-century aesthetic. Toppan claimed this to be the smallest book ever published in the world at the time - the thickness of each letter is approximately equivalent to one-fifth of a human hair. Toppan produced its first Micro Books in 1965 for the New York World's Fair, and the company has continued to break records for the world's smallest book ever since. Housed in a silver plastic clamshell box, lined with satin and red velvet. Only one institutional copy recorded, in a different, less elaborate presentation. Very fine.

Seller Inventory # 999

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Micro Book: Poem of Tu Fu
• Publisher: Tokyo: Toppan Printing Co. (c. 1965)
• Publication Date: 1965
• Binding: Softcover
• Condition: Very fine